The Experience
Start your self-guided tour in our main building exploring artifacts that portray the life of early ranchers. Learn about former US slave John Ware, who immigrated to Alberta after he was freed and became our province’s first Black cowboy. Find out how the Duke of Sutherland attracted settlers to the area, and discover the influence the Canadian Pacific Railway had on the region. Each exhibit showcases an important part of history that won’t soon be forgotten. After the main building, stroll along the Museum’s boardwalk to visit our historic buildings. Walk through our seven acre property to visit the Alberts’ House, the original living quarters for engineers working on the Brooks Aqueduct, and the 1930’s Garage that houses our mint condition Ford “A” Roadster Coupe. Stop in to the Philpott Honey Hut, the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Kitchener Schoolhouse, the Sarah King House, and more to experience and engage in the area’s history.
When you spot a blue kiosk at your location, check it out for additional videos, old photographs, and historical re-enactments to further enhance the experience! No two kiosks are alike, so it’s worth it to stop at every one.
On your way back, stop to smell the roses in our Heritage Rose Garden, then sample our delectable homemade ice cream for the perfect post-tour snack. Don’t forget to check out our gift shop before you leave to snag the perfect local artisan pottery or mouth-watering old-style candy.
The Brooks Bulletin
The replica Brooks Bulletin building was opened in 2013 to reflect the original office built in 1912 by Leonard and Howard Nesbitt. It houses century-old artifacts and printing presses used in the early days of the newspaper. The building also features Kiyoshi’s Korner, a darkroom with photos and memorabilia donated by the Kimura family, honoring award-winning photographer Kiyoshi Kimura, who worked at the Bulletin from 1963 to 1996
1930's Garage
Officially opened in 2016, our 1930's Garage is home to one of our most popular attractions: a Ford "A" Roadster Coupe in pristine condition. The garage also houses other vintage items like a '30s gas pump, Coca-Cola machine, and other auto-related relics.
Sarah King
As there was no hospital in Brooks, Dr C.E. Anderson asked Mrs. Sarah King to board expectant mothers from the County of Newell around their due dates up until ten days after the delivery. Mrs. King aided many expecting women throughout the years-delivering 170 babies, many of whom still live in the area.
Kitchener Schoolhouse
The Kitchener School was built in 1911 and opened in 1912 with teacher Mrs. Reavely and 10 students. In 1928, due to low enrollment, it merged with other schools, and Mrs. Reavely continued teaching at Steveville Hall. The school was relocated to Wardlow and operated as Wardlow School until 1940, reopening from 1955 to 1961. In 1978, it was donated by George Kisner.
Philpott Honey Hut
The Philpott Honey Hut was donated to the museum in memory of Evelyn Philpott in 1994 by the Dale Philpott family. For many years during the summer months, Evelyn would sell honey from the Honey Hut which was located at the intersection of the Duchess and Patricia highways.
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Seventh Day Adventist Church was built in 1941. Before then the congregation held services at a schoolhouse in 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Chris Martin organized these in their home. The church was moved to its present location in 1978. There is an annual interdenominational service held in the church
The Shackleton Barn
Ken Shackleton came to Brooks and built this barn in 1941 with the assistance of some neighbors. In 1990, the barn was moved to its present site at the museum.
The Caboose
The caboose was donated to the museum by the CPR in 1995. The C.P.R. line had passed through Brooks as early as 1883, when Brooks was just a dot on the map. The C.P.R. was responsible for installing the first irrigation systems in the area. They were also primarily responsible for populating the area that is Brooks and District.
The Albert’s House
Built in 1912 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Alberts' House originally acted as living quarters for the engineers working on the Brooks Aqueduct. It was one of the first permanent buildings in Brooks, and for a time had the only telephone in the area! It was turned into a private residence for the Alberts in 1934, and was donated.
The CPR Station
The CPR Station served the Village of Duchess from 1920-1965. In 1943, attached living quarters were built for the CPR agent who manned the station until 1965. The building was a storage shed on a private farm before being donated to the museum.
The Northwest Mounted Police Parvella
Parvella where Corporal Hutchings and Bob White were the first to be stationed at Parvella Detachment. The post closed in 1918 and reopened in Jenner, remaining active until 1940.
The Cowboy Bunkhouse
.The Cowboy Bunkhouse was donated by Dave & Catherine Peltzer. It has been restored to represent a bunkhouse from the early 1940’s. Bunkhouse’s were used by house working cowboys on ranches. Most cowboys were single young men. The standard bunkhouse consists of a large open room with narrow beds or cots for each individual. The Pelcher Bunkhouse was officially opened in 2021.
Corythosaurus "Cory" Casarius
The Corythosaurus was a native of the Brooks area seventy five million years ago. The name in which it was given means “Helmet Lizard,” named after its large skull plate. The first specimen was discovered in 1911 by Barnum Brown at the Red Deer River. Barnum’s finding came with an almost complete skeleton and impressions of the skin making the discovery very notable. In 1977, replica of Cory was donated by Brooks and District Chamber of Commerce to the Brooks and District Museum.
Blacksmith Shop
The Blacksmith Shop was donated to the museum in about 1986 as a granary. It was set on cement footings and outfitted by Frank Nester using equipment belonging to his father Hugh F. Nester who came west in 1908 and opened the blacksmith shop in Bassano. Horses were shod during the construction of the Bassano Dam at the Dam site. Son Frank Nester put the heavy red doors on and helped recreate his father’s blacksmith shop for the museum.
Try-it
See a hand icon, this means you are allowed to touch and interact with the artifact following the provided instruction.
Much Much More
Come check out our other exhibits such as the Blacksmith shop, 1903 oil rig, Cory the dinosaur and Sheep herders’ wagon.